Snake River Sporting Club Reopens Tom Weiskopf Golf Course

After being closed for five years, the Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course at Snake River Sporting Club in Jackson Hole, Wyo., has reopened for play following its acquisition by Atlanta-based Cygnus Capital. The 7,500-yard course is bordered by the Snake River and Bridger-Teton National Forest.

"With tremendous excitement surrounding a world-class golf course being back in operation after a five-year closure, our goal is to create a true Wyoming experience within a private club setting. This magnificent wilderness offers members and guests the opportunity to play golf as well as engage in many other outdoor activities like riding a horse, kayaking or throwing a line in the river," said club general manager Jeff Heilbrun.

After opening in 2007, Snake River Sporting Club was cited by Golf Digest as its "No. 2 Best New Private Course in the U.S." Before reopening, Weiskopf oversaw a $5 million renovation that included replacing every green with bentgrass and a restoration of the bunkers.

Original practice facilities were enlarged to include a recontoured putting and chipping green. Weiskopf also designed a new 3,500-square-foot short-game practice green adjacent to the clubhouse and first tee, surrounded by several bunkers and pitching and chipping areas. The green can also be played as a par-3 from the first tee.

"With its beautiful setting overlooking the Snake River, this is one of my favorite courses I have had the opportunity to design," said Weiskopf. "The practice amenities will certainly provide members a great place to work on their short game and bunker play in a quiet setting."

The walk-able golf course is lined by cottonwoods, aspens and native pines. Native wildlife includes elk, deer, osprey and bald eagles. While most of the front nine winds through an extension of the 3.5 million acres of national forest near the property, the course opens up at the ninth hole as it winds across a natural river bottom. Perhaps its prettiest hole is the par-3 12th, which plays over water and features a mountain backdrop.

The recently completed clubhouse is a 26,000-square-foot log and stone facility containing a sports shop, restaurant and grill room, locker rooms and a furnished outdoor deck.

In addition to the course and clubhouse, various housing options are available at the 800-acre development. The four-season community also offers fly-fishing on the Snake River, trails for hiking or mountain bikes, equestrian facilities, archery and shooting clays, and children's programs. In winter, residents and club members have access to snowshoeing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, as well as valet service at nearby Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.